May 9 French Broad River Fins & Gills Classic Fishing Tournament

Whip out your fishing poles and practice your casting: It’s time for the May 9 French Broad River Fins & Gills Classic Fishing Tournament. Sponsored by Clear Channel Radio of Asheville and Asheville Outdoor Center, the event benefits local nonprofit RiverLink in its mission to protect and restore the French Broad River and its watershed as a place to live, work and play!

The fishing tournament kicks off at Bent Creek Park, where boats will begin launching at 8 a.m.. Participants can catch up to five fish to be weighed at four stations located on the French Broad River between Bent Creek Park and Asheville Outdoor Center. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place for total-highest weight and single-largest fish caught (by weight). From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will fun activities at the center, including a kids’ casting contest, fishing classes, kayak and raft rides and more! Lunch meals (hot dog, chips and drink) will be available for just $2, with all proceeds going to RiverLink.

To register online click here. Adults (13 years and older) are $10 each, and kids (12 and under) are $5 each before May 7. Late registration will occur on Saturday, May 9, between 7 and 9 a.m. (adults $15 each and kids $10 each). Boats can be rented through Asheville Outdoor Center ($10 per person or $20 per canoe) before May 7 (call 232-1970). After May 7, boat rental is $15 per person or $30 for canoe.

RiverLink has made great progress over the years towards revitalizing our riverfront, cleaning up our waterways, and educating our kids and citizens about the importance of our river. Come out on May 9 to support RiverLink while enjoying a fun day on the river!